SUMMARY
After two unexpected losses, this appears the perfect game for Adelaide to get its season heading back in the right direction. Despite being humbled by North Melbourne and Melbourne in the past fortnight, the Crows are still flying on top of the ladder. While they'd be foolish to take the young Lions lightly, the Crows' potent forward line matched up against the competition's leakiest defence seems the remedy for a return-to-form victory. Meanwhile, after their opening round win against Gold Coast, the Lions have lost seven straight, but were more than competitive in last Saturday's loss to Hawthorn in Launceston. They are short on experience through the midfield, but have shown a willingness to move the ball quickly and have rattled up big scores in quarters to remain a threat. They are a dangerous opponent. It's the Lions' only game at the Gabba in a five-week span, but Adelaide should return to the winner's circle in this one.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday, May 20, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2016, Adelaide 27.15 (177) d Brisbane Lions 6.3 (39) at Adelaide Oval
R21, 2015, Adelaide 20.11 (131) d Brisbane Lions 6.8 (44) at Adelaide Oval
R13, 2015, Adelaide 11.16 (82) d Brisbane Lions 10.9 (69) at the Gabba
R20, 2014, Adelaide 25.18 (168) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
R2, 2013, Adelaide 14.12 (96) d Brisbane Lions 10.17 (77) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Lions were thrashed in the most recent clash between the clubs, with the Crows kicking 14 goals to five in the first half and 13 to one in the second. Eddie Betts, Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker kicked four goals each.
2. There is a big difference in scoring power between these teams. The Lions are ranked last for inside 50s compared to the Crows second, while it will be last against first for marks inside 50.
3. Adelaide has dominated the Lions recently, winning the past five games and six of the past seven, including the past two by a combined 225 points. Three of the last four have been decided by more than 80 points.
4. Despite recent results the Crows continue to be the highest scoring side, averaging 119 points a game, compared to the Lions' 79 points. The Crows are also the most accurate team this season.
5. The Lions are yet to win at the Gabba in 2017, losing all three games, and have lost 12 of their past 14. The Crows have won their past seven games in Queensland, and haven’t lost in the Sunshine State since 2012.
6. Adelaide has nine players ranked inside the top 100 of the Schick Official AFL Player Ratings, led by Rory Sloane, ranked fifth. The Lions have just four players in the top 100, with Dayne Zorko (seventh) the highest ranked.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Rory Sloane.
The brilliant Crows midfielder plays the 150th game of his blossoming career. Although it's a milestone, the 27-year-old will also be looking to bounce back to form after collecting just 18 and 11 disposals respectively in the past two weeks.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 44 points
